Victor Stringer, a poet, veteran, and father, has released his debut collection, Lingering Light: 80 Poems, published by American Publishers Empire on July 19, 2026. The book, now available worldwide on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback, and Hardcover formats, presents eighty poems written over two decades, organized into seven thematic sections that traverse love, loss, childhood, spirituality, memory, identity, and war.
Stringer's work defies easy categorization, blending confessional and philosophical styles to capture the essence of ordinary moments that often go unnoticed. 'The collection takes its name from a simple idea: some feelings do not leave when the moment does. They stay, they resurface, they linger,' Stringer explains. This lingering quality is central to the book's exploration of how emotions persist and shape our lives long after the events that triggered them have passed.
The collection opens with 'Love & Romance,' featuring poems that celebrate desire and intimacy, such as 'Being With You,' which traverses Central Park, the Eiffel Tower, and a sunset in Montego Bay in pursuit of the feeling of complete belonging. This is followed by 'Loss, Heartbreak & Emotional Darkness,' where poems like 'Two Sides of a Broken Heart' delve into the aftermath of love, depicting a man revisiting a beach shared with a lost partner, clutching a broken heart charm as a symbol of unresolved grief.
Stringer's role as a father informs the section 'Childhood, Family & Innocence,' where poems capture the unfiltered curiosity of young children. 'Daddy, Will You Blow My Chicken' is built entirely from the real questions of a three-year-old, from wondering where the moon hides during the day to serious concerns about Spanish-speaking ducks. These poems highlight the profound wisdom found in childhood innocence.
The collection also ventures into spirituality and inner peace with 'Spirituality, Reflection & Inner Peace,' where 'Yogi Time' describes a meditation in the woods that leads to an encounter with a golden light and a sense of presence. 'Journey, Memory & Place' uses travel and landscape as a means to process emotions, while 'Identity, Existence & Philosophical Questions' asks what constitutes the self beyond the roles we play. The most poignant section, 'War, Struggle & Warrior Energy,' draws on Stringer's military service, with poems like 'A Young Warrior's Request!' addressing politicians who send young people to war, written from the perspective of a soldier who must live with decisions made by others.
Stringer's work resonates with a broad audience because it addresses universal themes with raw honesty. His poetry does not shy away from the complexities of human experience, making it relevant to leaders and decision-makers who understand that the emotional and philosophical underpinnings of society shape business and technology landscapes. In an era of rapid change, the collection serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of introspection and emotional intelligence.
Available in multiple formats, Lingering Light is accessible to readers worldwide. The book's ISBNs are 9781971232577 for paperback and 9781971232584 for hardcover. For more information, visit Victor Stringer's website or find the book on Amazon.
